Country Music Artist Showcase: Greg Bates Interview

This Week Greg Bates Steps Into Our Country Music Artist Showcase with an Exclusive Interview with MissMolly! The Country Music News Blog team first met up with Greg Bates at BamaJam 2012! He was was on the verge of releasing his self-titled EP (which dropped in July), and his current single, “Did For The Girl” was in the Top 40 on the charts. Now, just a couple months later, Greg’s awesome single has moved up to the Top 15, and was just featured on the pilot episode of ABC’s brand new drama Nashville! Despite putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album (to release next year!), and jumping on tour with Brantley Gilbert, Greg took the time to chat with me about all these new developments! Check it out below! Right now, you’ve been on tour with Brantley Gilbert…what has that experience been like? Its been a lot of fun. They’re great guys and a lot of fun to be on tour with. They’ve been really good and helped us out in any way they could. It’s been a lesson in how to run a tour and how to treat everyone good and make sure everyone is having fun. I essentially have five roommates in a very small amount of space. It can get a little stressful…so, its good when you have good people to be around. Thoughts on Brantley Gilbert’s Fanbase… At the end of the day they are country music fans, and they are very passionate about the music they buy and buying tickets to certain shows. Brantley is one of those guys that can get the crowd worked up in a frenzy! Have you had any stand out moments so far? The first night at Purdue University was one. We’ve been talking ab this tour for two or three months, and that moment when we walked out on stage and it was actually happening was amazing. I won’t forget that. You’re Nashville born and raised…how do you think that has helped shape you as an artist? I was lucky enough to grow up around songwriters and see behind the curtain earlier than most people. I do think I had an advantage with that, but as far as becoming an artist, I don’t think there’s a single advantage you can have. Its a lot of luck and a lot of hard work. You’re self-titled EP dropped this summer…do you have plans for a full length studio album? The album is done, and should be coming out first of next year. We’ve got everything lined up and we’re doing photo shoots. This is three years in the making. Its gonna be a blast to get all of the music out, and I’m really excited. What would you say is your favorite part about the recording process? I love the whole recording process, but for me its when we’re tracking the songs and have the whole band in the studio. When I’m singing the songs, I get in my head, Continue reading Country Music Artist Showcase: Greg Bates Interview

Josh Turner Interview

Watch Josh Interview and Hear About New Album Live Across America! Josh Turner recently released his live album, Live Across America, in conjunction with tour sponsor Cracker Barrel. Not surprisingly the album release has been a success so far with fans and the industry! The country music artist recently sat down with CBS Local to give a little bit of insight into the recording process, song selection and more! . Watch the Josh Turner Interview Now!

Lauren Alaina Interview

Lauren Alaina Interview: Country Music Singin’ Newbie Answers 10 Questions for CMNB! Since Lauren Alaina won over the hearts of America and the country music fan base on American Idol, she has been a busy, busy young woman releasing music, touring, performing and making appearances everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to country music awards shows! Despite being so busy, Lauren took the time to answer ten questions just for CMNB! You can check out the interview below, and also look through our photos from her recent performance at The AMP in Fayetteville, AR! 10 Questions for Lauren Alaina: 1. You’ve had a heck of a year (and more)! What was your favorite moment? There are seriously so many pinch me moments! If I relate this question to touring, I would say when I was on tour with Jason Aldean I got to sing “Dont You Wanna Stay” with him during his set. It was incredible! 2. Your debut album is amazing! What was your favorite part of the recording process? I love the whole vibe of being in the studio. I get to be free and just simply be me. I like to try new things and push myself. It’s always fun to hear back the finished product after you work so hard. 3. Which of your songs do you enjoy performing live the most? My favorite song to do live is probably “Tupelo“. The live version is a lot different than the record. That is probably what is so fun about doing songs live. We worked up some changes and it’s sooo much fun. 4. Since your time of American Idol, a lot has changed. What in your life has stayed the same? My family and friends are still as close to me as they were before, and that’s super important to me. 5. So, you’re obviously a very busy young woman…when you’re not hard at work, what do you like to do for fun? I like to be at home and just enjoy time with friends and family. 6. What are your plans for the future? I strive everyday to be the best person I can be. I take my life day by day. I don’t know exactly what the future holds but I’m completely prepared for it. I am a senior in high school so I am definitely thinking about my academic future. I just have to determine what path will work best for me. 7. Will we be seeing new music from Lauren Alaina in 2013? Definitely. I’m always preparing new music. I can’t wait to share it! 8. Who are your influences/inspirations? My momma. She is the most important person in my life (: 9. From what you’ve seen and experienced so far, what advice would you give to other young women who are aspiring singers/performers? Believe in yourself and keep doing what you love. Trust in your family and God, the rest will fall into place. 10. Lastly, for fun, what are your Continue reading Lauren Alaina Interview

Blake Shelton Dishes On The Voice with Jimmy Fallon

Blake Shelton Chats with Jimmy Fallon about The Voice and More! There really is no getting around it, Blake Shelton just might be the funniest country music singer out there right. Not only does he know how to dish it out, but he’s pretty good at taking a joke too! Last night when he stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Shelton was being particularly hilarious. Chatting about everything from his upcoming Christmas Album to reality series “The Voice” to his mullet, Blake and Jimmy were laugh out loud funny. Check out the complete interview (in three parts) below! Watch Blake Shelton’s Interview Now! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Steel Magnolia Interview

HaleighT Caught Up With Steel Magnolia Before They Hit The Stage In Arkansas! Last night Steel Magnolia graced the stage as part of the Washington County Fair in Fayetteville, Ar! Meghan and Josh’s performance really impressed me…with his enthusiasm and energy on stage and her undeniably gifted voice, how could they not?! I was particularly impressed by “Edge Of Goodbye,” their cover of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s “I Need You” and of course “Keep On Lovin’ You.” They gave us a taste of some of the new stuff they are working on in “You’re On My Mind” and “Whiskey Anthem,” then ended the show with “Jackson!” Before the show I had a chance to talk with them about their recent projects, including a new album and cancer benefit they are working with. Watch the video below to find out all the details! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYi5EQiLRUs]

Chris Knight Interview at The AMP

HaleighT Interviews Chris Knight at the Arkansas Music Pavilion in Fayetteville, AR! Friday afternoon, we had the chance to briefly meet up with singer/songwriter Chris Knight! This is one performer who has been in the songwriting game for more than a few years now having written songs for hit slingers like Randy Travis and Montgomery Gentry, and so it was a really cool experience to get to chat with him for just a couple minutes! He may be a man of few words when he’s talkin’, but he filled us in on what he’s up to right now, what’s coming up next and more. Check it out below! Watch HaleighT’s Interview with Chris Knight here: [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZcJ9Kz9wI8] For more on Chris Knight, head on over to his official page!

Adam Hood Interview at The AMP

HaleighT Interviews Adam Hood at the Arkansas Music Pavilion in Fayetteville, AR! Yesterday (Friday, August 17th), the Arkansas Music Pavilion in Fayetteville, AR debuted their 1st Annual Taste of Country Music Festival. The line-up included several amazing singers and songwriters including Chris Knight, Amanda Cramer, Randy Houser, and the one and only, Miranda Lambert! Also, in this amazing line-up, we had the talented and charming, Adam Hood! Hood is an Alabama native who has been hard at work writing, performing, releasing albums and touring! Luckily, we caught up with him, and he filled us in on how he felt about being a part of the first ever Taste of Country fest at The AMP, what he’s working on now, and what’s up next for him! Check out the interview below, and get all the details for yourself! Watch the Complete Interview with Adam Hood Here! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpMGlVOhbYc] While you’re here…be sure to check out Hood’s video for single “Hell Of A Fight”!

Greg Bates Interview With HaleighT

HaleighT’s Interview With Greg Bates. I was fortunate enough to sit down with Greg Bates in June and talk shop! Below is the video footage of that conversation. In it, we discuss his single and video “Did It For The Girl” and his EP. Both are now available and for more info on that CLICK HERE! But first watch to see what he had to say pre-release!

Tyler Reeve Interview With HaleighT

Tyler Reeve And HaleighT Have A Chat During BamaJam 2012! Here is video that highlights parts of a conversation HaleighT had with Tyler Reeve during BamaJam 2012. The two discuss the festival, future plans and more. The interview happened before Reeve’s performance was scheduled. Unfortunately, because of the storm that took place that day, his show didn’t happen. Nevertheless we thank Reeve for taking time out of his day to meet with us! Reeve’s latest album One More Shot is available now! We look forward to catching his next show and you should too! Watch the video now.

Colt Ford Interview With HaleighT

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Colt Ford and catching one of his shows! I’ll have to admit that the conversation went way better than I had expected and I found myself having a new respect for the Georgia man. Colt Ford had some of his early success when teaming up with Montgomery Gentry and Jermaine Dupri to help on their (separate) projects. He also joined the PBR in the making of Buck Em’, their official anthem. The thing that got him to pull the trigger and completely put himself in the industry was that he never wanted to look back and say “Why didn’t I try that.” The work Ford has done with other artists have been some of the biggest crowd pleasers in history. Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Rhett Akins, James Otto, Kevin Fowler, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, John Michael Montgomery, Josh Gracin, Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson, Charlie Daniels, Darryl Worley, Trent Tomlinson and Josh Thompson are just a few on the list of many that he has collaborated with! Craig Morgan joined Ford on the close to his heart tale of daughters growing older, “She Likes To Ride In Trucks.” Brantley Gilbert and Ford had a tremendous amount of underground success in 2008 with the now nationally huge hit they wrote, “Dirt Road Anthem,” (performed by Jason Aldean). Ford and Aldean are good friends, with a lot in common, including that they are both from Georgia. The two played over 20 shows together in 2009 and this is where the “Big Green Tractor” singer first fell in love with “Dirt Road Anthem.” He would watch Ford on stage and be shocked at the amount of people in the crowd singing along word for word. There have been many rumors that Aldean stole the song, but Ford was quick to defend his friend! “He didn’t steal the song. Lots of artists record others peoples songs, they just have to pay for them. Most artists wouldn’t even ask and he called me himself. He’s a humble dude and always says the song was a hit before him.” Aldean might have thrown people for a loop when they first heard him on this track, but they obviously liked it! The song is the biggest single of his career and was the #1 ringtone for 17 weeks, something no other artist in any genre has done! With all of these collaborations already under his belt, I was curious who would be next. Ford told me he would love to work with some of the best in the business including Keith Urban, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Hank Williams Jr. and of course his good friend Jason Aldean. Although he is known for teamwork, he still has songs that are his and his alone. “Chicken and Biscuits” and “Every Chance I Get” are both examples of his solo work. Last Thursday I saw Ford and his band give a show at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Let me tell you, Continue reading Colt Ford Interview With HaleighT